Chilocco Indian Agricultural School

Chilocco Indian Agricultural School began in January 1884 as an Indian boarding school modeled after Pratt’s Carlisle model. It was, however, mostly focused on agricultural education given its location north of Ponca City, Oklahoma. The education received was academic with an emphasis on vocational training. It, too, like its counterparts at Haskell and Carlisle had a military education for the boys who were accustomed to wearing uniforms and hearing bugle calls throughout the day.

Almost 100 former Chilocco students have been identified as being World War I servicemen. The school publication Indian School Journal had a weekly issue and a longer monthly issue that all reported on the war relief efforts and the service of their former students. Columns such as “Red Cross Work at Chilocco” and “The Indian and the War: News and comment regarding the Indian and the part he is playing in defending democracy” were recurring and shared what was happening both at the school and in the armed forces with their former students.

Chilocco remained open as a high school until 1980.

Letters from Chilocco Students

“I am making good in the Army. I am now a first-class private, drawing $36.00 per month. I expect to be made corporal in the near future. Our company commander says I have the right spirit. Chilocco has the credit for it.” William Baldridge (Cherokee)

“I am here at San Diego. I left Goat Island on the 1st of September. I am very glad to say that I like the Navy life alright and I am very proud of what I learned when I was at Chilocco. It has done me more than good and I sure thank Chilocco very much for the training I received.” John Allard

“Mr. Allen, I am very proud of dear old Chilocco and the training I received while I was there. My training is a big help to me in the Army life. I thank dear old Chilocco for what it did to help me in my training for service.” Edward Small